Google Android Wear to become Wear OS later this year

Android Wear smartwatches

If the latest rumors turn into reality, Android Wear will change its name around 4 years after its release. In addition to the new name, Google's upcoming Wear OS should also feature a new, colorful logo similar to the one currently used by Google Assistant. However, this change was spotted in the latest 12.5 beta for Play Services, so nothing is official yet, but we will probably see it happening in May at Google I/O.

Android Wear might soon drop the first part of its name, thus becoming just "Wear OS" and nothing more. Although Google still has to confirm this, the reference to the new name and a new logo that comes with a color combination similar to the one used in Google Assistant logo has been spotted in the latest 12.5 beta of Google Play Services.

Google's Android Wear was introduced almost 4 years ago, its initial release being unleashed on March 18, 2014. Android Wear-powered devices can pair with both Android and iOS handsets and can download apps from the Google Play Store. Google Assistant is also present, but older Android Wear devices cannot work with this virtual assistant due to their hardware limitations.

The list of manufacturers who released Android Wear devices is quite long and includes big tech brands like Asus, Motorola, LG, Samsung, but also companies focused on watches and wearables, such as Fossil, Polar, and TAG Heuer.

Right now, the latest Android Wear release is 2.9, so it somehow makes sense to see this mobile operating system with a new name and image once it hits the 3.0 milestone. While the date of these changes is unknown for now, we will probably hear more about Wear OS in May, during Google I/O. Until then, there is plenty of time for more leaks and rumors, so be sure to stay tuned.

Although I have been writing about new software and hardware for almost a decade, I consider myself to be old school. I always enjoy listening to music on CD or tape instead of digital files and I will not even get into the touchscreen vs physical keys debate. However, I also enjoy new technology, as I now have the chance to take a look at the future every day. I joined the Notebookcheck crew back in 2013 and I have no plans to leave the ship anytime soon.